Sir Keir Starmer accused of 'Houdini-like contortions' to avoid rebuking Peter Mandelson over 'flagrant breach' of diplomatic rules
The Prime Minister faced pressure to explain how Lord Mandelson, now UK ambassador to the US, had not flouted clear political impartiality rules by speaking at a Labour party fundraiser.
The accusations came after the Mail on Sunday revealed that the ex-Labour Cabinet Minister had spoken at an event earlier this summer to raise money for Labour MPs' Gregor Poynton and Imogen Walker, wife of Sir Keir's chief of staff Morgan McSweeney.
Labour responded at the time by insisting that Lord Mandelson, chosen over career diplomats by Sir Keir to be his man to deal with Donald Trump, had attended the event 'in a personal capacity' and did not play 'any formal role in it'.
But the row dramatically escalated yesterday after the Government appeared to suggest that the manner of Lord Mandelson's appointment would affect how strict diplomatic service rules were applied.
Sir Oliver Robbins, the Foreign Office permanent under-secretary, insisted that the code – which requires diplomats to observe 'political impartiality' – would be applied against the 'backdrop' that Lord Mandelson was directly appointed by Ministers.
In a letter sent to Tory frontbencher Richard Holden last month, Sir Oliver insisted that Lord Mandelson – who is currently 'on leave of absence' from the House of Lords - was 'aware of his obligations under the Code'.
He then added: 'Lord Mandelson was directly appointed to the role by Ministers to take advantage of his political experience and skill, and he and I will continue to apply the Code against that backdrop.'
The Prime Minister faced pressure to explain how Lord Mandelson (pictured), now UK ambassador to the US, had not flouted clear political impartiality rules by speaking at a Labour party fundraiser
Sir Oliver Robbins (pictured), the Foreign Office permanent under-secretary, insisted that the code – which requires diplomats to observe 'political impartiality' – would be applied against the 'backdrop' that Lord Mandelson was directly appointed by Ministers
However, the Tories reacted in fury last night, with sources suggesting the Labour peer had only escaped punishment because of his party-political links.
They filed formal complaints against both Lord Mandelson and Sir Oliver.
Alex Burghart, Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: 'This is a flagrant breach of the Diplomatic Code from Peter Mandelson.
'Whatever his party-political allegiances, he is now the UK's ambassador to Washington and the rules still apply to him.'
Mr Burghart added: 'Keir Starmer is guilty of Houdini-like contortions to make it appear that everything is above board.
'It is not.
'As with so many of the PM's promises, his pledge in Opposition to clean up politics was worthless.'
Yesterday, the Mail on Sunday asked Foreign Office officials to point to the relevant part of the code which would exempt Lord Mandelson's appearance at the fundraiser.
A Government spokesperson replied: 'It is for the Department to oversee and manage the implementation of this code for its staff, exactly as it would be for other government departments with the Civil Service Code.
'The Permanent Secretary has exercised his role in relation to the matter and set this out in his letter.'
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